Shaped Optical Waveguide Bodies

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an optical waveguide body having a first surface that includes one or more tapered portions displaced between an input surface and an end surface or edge of the waveguide body. A second surface displaced from and opposite the first surface may also include one or more tapered portions between the input surface wherein the furthest tapered portions of the first and second surface forms and end surface or edge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application incorporates by reference co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, (Attorney Docket No. P1946US1) filed Mar. 15, 2013 and assigned to Cree, Inc.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to optical waveguides and, more particularly, to shaped optical waveguide bodies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An optical waveguide mixes and directs light emitted by one or more light sources, such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). A typical optical waveguide includes three main components: one or more coupling elements, one or more distribution elements, and one or more extraction elements. The coupling component(s) direct light into the distribution element(s), and condition the light to interact with the subsequent components. The one or more distribution elements control how light flows through the waveguide and is dependent on the waveguide geometry and material. The extraction element(s) determine how light is removed by controlling where and in what direction the light exits the waveguide.

When designing a coupling optic, the primary considerations are: maximizing the efficiency of light transfer from the source into the waveguide; controlling the location of light injected into the waveguide; and controlling the angular distribution of the light in the coupling optic. One way of controlling the spatial and angular spread of injected light is by fitting each source with a dedicated lens. These lenses can be disposed with an air gap between the lens and the coupling optic, or may be manufactured from the same piece of material that defines the waveguide's distribution element(s). Discrete coupling optics allow numerous advantages such as higher efficiency coupling, controlled overlap of light flux from the sources, and angular control of how the injected light interacts with the remaining elements of the waveguide. Discrete coupling optics use refraction, total internal reflection, and surface or volume scattering to control the distribution of light injected into the waveguide.

After light has been coupled into the waveguide, it must be guided and conditioned to the locations of extraction. The simplest example is a fiber-optic cable, which is designed to transport light from one end of the cable to another with minimal loss in between. To achieve this, fiber optic cables are only gradually curved and sharp bends in the waveguide are avoided. In accordance with well-known principles of total internal reflectance light traveling through a waveguide is reflected back into the waveguide from an outer surface thereof, provided that the incident light does not exceed a critical angle with respect to the surface.

In order for an extraction element to remove light from the waveguide, the light must first contact the feature comprising the element. By appropriately shaping the waveguide surfaces, one can control the flow of light across the extraction feature(s). Specifically, selecting the spacing, shape, and other characteristic(s) of the extraction features affects the appearance of the waveguide, its resulting distribution, and efficiency.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,812,714 (Hulse) discloses a waveguide bend element configured to change a direction of travel of light from a first direction to a second direction. The waveguide bend element includes a collector element that collects light emitted from a light source and directs the light into an input face of the waveguide bend element. Light entering the bend element is reflected internally along an outer surface and exits the element at an output face. The outer surface comprises beveled angular surfaces or a curved surface oriented such that most of the light entering the bend element is internally reflected until the light reaches the output face.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,751 (Parker et al.) discloses a light emitting panel assembly that comprises a transparent light emitting panel having a light input surface, a light transition area, and one or more light sources. Light sources are preferably embedded or bonded in the light transition area to eliminate any air gaps, thus reducing light loss and maximizing the emitted light. The light transition area may include reflective and/or refractive surfaces around and behind each light source to reflect and/or refract and focus the light more efficiently through the light transition area into the light input surface of the light emitting panel. A pattern of light extracting deformities, or any change in the shape or geometry of the panel surface, and/or a coating that causes a portion of the light to be emitted, may be provided on one or both sides of the panel members. A variable pattern of deformities may break up the light rays such that the internal angle of reflection of a portion of the light rays will be great enough to cause the light rays either to be emitted out of the panel or reflected back through the panel and emitted out of the other side.

A.L.P. Lighting Components, Inc. of Niles, Ill., manufactures a waveguide having a wedge shape with a thick end, a narrow end, and two main faces therebetween. Pyramid-shaped extraction features are formed on both main faces. The wedge waveguide is used as an exit sign such that the thick end of the sign is positioned adjacent a ceiling and the narrow end extends downwardly. Light enters the waveguide at the thick end and is directed down and away from the waveguide by the pyramid-shaped extraction features.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a lighting device having an optical waveguide body that includes an input at a first end of the waveguide body and first and second side surfaces. At least one LED which produces light when energized and the light is coupled into the input. The first side surface comprises at least one tapered surface that extends toward the second side surface, and an end of the optical waveguide body away from the input is directed toward a surface to be illuminated.

Also disclosed is a second optical waveguide body that intersects with the first waveguide body. The second waveguide body includes an input at a first end of the second waveguide body and first and second side surfaces. The first side surface has at least one tapered surface extending toward the second side surface, and an end of the second optical waveguide body away from the input is directed toward the surface to be illuminated.

Disclosed, too, is an optical waveguide body having a first surface that includes one or more tapered portions between an input surface and an end surface or edge. A second surface displaced from and opposite the first surface may also include one or more tapered portions between the input surface wherein the furthest tapered portions of the first and second surface forms and end surface or edge. In one embodiment disclosed, herein, the second surface is a flat surface that extends parallel to a center axis of the waveguide body and forms an end surface or edge with the first surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a shaped waveguide.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing an embodiment of a shaped waveguide.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a shaped waveguide.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a shaped waveguide.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a shaped waveguide having a plurality of tapered extraction features.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a waveguide.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a waveguide.

FIG. 7A is a side view of an embodiment of a waveguide.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a waveguide.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of a waveguide.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of a waveguide.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a waveguide.

FIG. 12 is a front view of an embodiment of a waveguide.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of an embodiment of crossed waveguides lighting a surface area.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a waveguide lighting a corridor and sidewall.

FIG. 15 is a side view of an embodiment of a waveguide showing how the light paths are extracted through the waveguide.

FIG. 16 is an embodiment of a waveguide.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the waveguide embodiment of FIG. 19.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a waveguide embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a waveguide embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, the curvature and/or other shape of a waveguide body 10 and/or the shape, size, and/or spacing of extraction features 12 determine the particular light extraction distribution. All of these options affect the visual uniformity from one end of the waveguide 10 to another. For example, a waveguide body 10 having smooth surfaces may emit light at curved portions thereof. The sharper the curve is the more light is extracted. The extraction of light along a curve also depends on the thickness of the waveguide body 10. Light can travel through tight curves of a thin waveguide body 10 without reaching the critical angle, whereas light that travels through a thick waveguide body 10 is more likely to strike the surface 14 at an angle greater than the critical angle and escape.

Tapering a waveguide body 10 causes light to reflect internally along the length of the waveguide body 10 while increasing the angle of incidence. Eventually, this light strikes one side at an angle that is acute enough to escape. The opposite example, i.e., a gradually thickening waveguide body 10 over the length thereof, causes light to collimate along the length with fewer and fewer interactions with the waveguide body walls. These reactions can be used to extract and control light within the waveguide 10. When combined with dedicated extraction features 12, tapering allows one to change the incident angular distribution across an array of features. This, in turn, controls how much, and in what direction light is extracted. Thus, a select combination of curves, tapered surfaces, and extraction features can achieve a desired illumination and appearance.

Still further, the waveguide bodies 10 contemplated herein are made of an acrylic material, a silicone, a polycarbonate, or other suitable material(s) to achieve a desired effect and/or appearance.

FIGS. 1-12 and 14-19, disclosed a lighting device that is comprised of an optical waveguide body 10 having an input 20 at a first end of the waveguide body 10 and first and second side surfaces 14, 28. At least one LED 18 which produces light when energized and the light is coupled into the input 20. The first side surface 14 is comprised of at least one tapered surface T₁ extending toward the second side surface 28, and an end 22 of the optical waveguide body 10 away from the input 20 is directed toward a surface 62 to be illuminated.

In a particular version of the embodiment, at least one LED 18 is mounted pointing into the input 20 of the waveguide body 10, as is shown in FIGS. 1-3. In a more particular version of the embodiment, the second surface 14 comprises at least one tapered surface T₁ that extends toward the first side surface 14. In still another version of the embodiment, the first side surface 14 comprises a plurality of tapered portions T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n) extending toward the second side surface 28, as shown in FIG. 5. In such an embodiment, the second side surface 28 comprises a plurality of tapered portions T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n) extending toward the first side surface 14. In a particular version of such embodiment, a tapered portion T_(n) of the first side surface 14 and a tapered portion T_(n) of the second side surface 28 meet at the end 22 of the waveguide body 10.

In yet another version of an embodiment of the lighting device, as shown in FIG. 13, at least a second optical waveguide body 10 intersects with the first waveguide body 10. The second waveguide body 10 comprises an input 20 at a first end of the second waveguide body 10 and first and second side surfaces 14, 28. The first side surface 14 comprises at least one tapered surface T₁ that extends toward the second side surface 28. In such an embodiment, an end 22 of the second optical waveguide body 10 that is away from the input 20 is directed toward a surface 62 to be illuminated.

Also disclosed is a lighting device comprised of an optical waveguide body 10 having an input 20 at a first end of the waveguide body 10 and first and second surfaces 14, 28. A first side surface 14 is comprised of at least one tapered surface T₁ extending toward the second side surface 28, and an end 22 of the optical waveguide body 10 away from the input 20 is directed toward a surface 62 to be illuminated.

In an embodiment, at least one LED 18 which products light when energized and the light is coupled to the input 20. In another version of the embodiment, the at least one LED 18 is mounted pointing into the input 20 of the waveguide body 10. In a more particular version of the embodiment, the second surface 28 is comprised of at least one tapered surface T₁ extending toward the first side surface 14, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. In still another embodiment, the first side surface 14 is comprised a plurality of tapered portions T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n) extending toward the second side surface 28. In a particular version of this embodiment, the second side surface 28 comprises a plurality of tapered portions T_(1(a)), T_(2(a)), T_(3(a)) . . . T_(n(a)) extending toward the first side surface 14. In still another version of the embodiment, a tapered portion T_(n) of the first side surface 14 and a tapered portion T_(n(a)) of the second side surface 28 meet at the end 22 of the waveguide body 10, as shown in FIG. 8.

In still another embodiment of the lighting device, at least a second optical waveguide body 10 intersects with the first waveguide body 10, as shown in FIG. 13. In this embodiment, the second waveguide body 10 comprises an input 20 at a first end of the second waveguide body 10 and first and second side surfaces 14, 28. The first side surface 14 comprises at least one tapered surface T₁ that extends toward the second side surface 28, and an end 22 of the second optical waveguide body 10 away from the input 20 is directed toward the surface 62 to be illuminated.

In another embodiment of the lighting device, an intermediate surface E₁, E₂, E₃, . . . E is positioned between each of the plurality of tapered surfaces T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n) of the waveguide body 10, as shown in FIG. 5. In one version of this embodiment, the intermediate surface E₁ is substantially normal to a central axis 26 of the waveguide 10. The intermediate surface E₁ may also be a curved surface or a straight surface. In another embodiment, the intermediate surface E₁ may be a straight surface tapered in the opposite direction of the each of the plurality of tapered surfaces T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n). In still another version, the tapered surface T₁ forms an acute angle with the first surface 14. In yet another embodiment, the tapered surface T_(n) of the first surface 14 forms an edge 22 with the second surface 28.

In still another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16-19 of the lighting device, the waveguide body 10 includes a plurality of tapered surfaces T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n) that form an acute angle with the first surface 14. In yet another embodiment, the first surface 14 is comprised of a plurality of straight surfaces 14. Each one of the plurality of straight surfaces 14 is separated by a tapered surface T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n), and each one of the tapered surfaces T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n) form an acute angle with respect to each of the, respective, straight surfaces 14.

In an embodiment, an optical waveguide body 10 of the lighting device is comprised of a first surface 14 that extends between an input surface 20 and an end surface 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the first surface 14 has at least two tapered portions T₁ and T₂ that extend inward from an outer portion of the first surface 14. An intermediate surface E₁ is located between each of the at least two tapered portions T₁ and T₂. In an embodiment, each of the at least two tapered portions T₁ and T₂ are distal from the input surface 20. In yet another embodiment, each of the at least two tapered portions T₁ and T₂ extend toward a central axis 26 of the waveguide body 10. In still a more particular embodiment, the waveguide body 10 includes a second surface 28 opposite of and distal from the first surface 14.

The intermediate surface 39 of the waveguide body 10 may be substantially normal to the central axis 26 of the waveguide 10, as shown in FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the intermediate surface E₁ may be a curved surface. In yet another embodiment, the intermediate surface E₁ is a straight surface. In still another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the intermediate surface (shown as T₃ in FIG. 8) is a straight surface tapered in the opposite direction of the each of the at least two tapered portions T₁ and T₂.

In an embodiment, the second surface 28 terminates in an end surface 22 with the first surface 14. Depending on the design of the waveguide body 10, the end surface 22 could be an edge (as shown in FIG. 1), a curved surface, a smooth surface, or any type of geometrically shaped surface.

A light source 18 is located adjacent and external to the input surface 20 of the waveguide body 10. In an embodiment, the light source 18 may be a light emitting diode (LED). When in operation, light from the light source 18 is emitted through each of the at least two tapered portions T₁ and T₂.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, another embodiment of a waveguide comprises a coupling chamber 16 attached to a main waveguide body 10. At least one light source 18, such as one or more LEDs, is disposed adjacent to the coupling chamber 16. The light source 18 may be a white LED or may comprise multiple LEDs including a phosphor-coated LED either alone or in combination with a color LED, such as a green LED, etc. In those cases where a soft white illumination is to be produced, the light source 18 typically includes a blue shifted yellow LED and a red LED. Different color temperatures and appearances could be produced using other LED combinations, as is known in the art. In one embodiment, the light source 18 comprises any LED, for example, an MT-G LED incorporating TrueWhite® LED technology as developed and manufactured by Cree, Inc., the assignee of the present application.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in one embodiment, the waveguide body 10 is comprised of a first surface 14 that extends between an input surface 20 and an end surface 22. The first surface 14 has a tapered portion 24 distal from the input surface 20 that extends toward a central axis 26 of the waveguide 10, and a second surface 28 displaced from and opposite the first surface 14. The second surface 28 has a tapered portion 30 distal from the input surface 20 that extends toward and forms an end surface or edge 22 with the tapered portion 24 of the first surface 14. In an embodiment, the first surface 14 has a first portion 32 proximal to the input surface 20, and the first portion 32 extends away from the input surface 20 parallel to the central axis 26 of the waveguide 10. The second surface 28 has a first portion 34 proximal to the input surface 20 and opposite the first portion 32 of the first surface 14. The tapered portion 24 of the first surface 14 extends from an end 36 of the first portion 32 of the first surface 14 distal to the input surface 20 and toward the central axis 26 of the waveguide 10. The tapered portion 30 of the second surface 28 extends from an end 38 of the first portion 32 of the second surface 28 distal to the input surface 20 toward the central axis 26 of the waveguide 10, wherein it forms the edge 22 with the tapered portion 24 of the first surface 14.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first surface 14 has a first portion 32 proximal to the input surface 20. This first portion 32 extends away from the input surface 20 parallel to the central axis 26 of the waveguide 10. A first tapered portion T₁ of the first surface 14 extends toward the axis 26 of the waveguide 10 from an end 36 of the first portion 32 of the first surface 14 distal to the input surface 20. A first edge portion E₁ extends away from the axis 26 from an end 40 of the first tapered portion T₁ distal to the input surface 20. A second tapered portion T₂ of the first surface 14 extends from an end of the first edge portion 42 distal to the axis 26 and angles toward the axis 26 of the waveguide 10. The second surface 28 is a mirror image of the first surface 14 in that it has a first portion 34 proximal to the input surface 20 and opposite the first portion 32 of the first surface 14. A first tapered portion T_(1(a)) of the second surface 28 extends toward the axis 26 of the waveguide 10 from an end 38 of the first portion 34 of the second surface 28 distal to the input surface 20. A first edge portion E_(1(a)) extends away from the central axis 26 from an end 44 of the first tapered portion T_(1(a)) distal to the input surface 20 while a second tapered portion T_(2(a)) of the second surface 28 extends from an end 46 of the first edge portion E_(1(a)) distal to the axis 26 and angles toward the axis 26 of the waveguide 10.

In still another version of the embodiment, the second surface 28 which is opposite the first surface 14 forms an end surface or edge 22 with the first surface 14 at a point distal from the input surface 20.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the waveguide 10 extends from the input surface 20 a distance of about 30 mm. In this embodiment, the base 46 of the waveguide 10 is approximately 6 mm and the first portion 32, 34 of each of the first and second surfaces 14, 28 extends away from the input surface 20 approximately 6 mm. The first edge portion E₁ forms a radius of approximately 0.25 mm with the end of the first tapered portion T₁, and the first and second surfaces 14, 28 form an end surface or edge 22 with a radius of approximately 0.25 mm.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first surface 14 is further comprised of a plurality of tapered portions T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n), each tapered portion having a first end 48 coincident with an end 50 of an edge portion E₁, E₂, E₃, . . . E_(n), distal to the axis 26 of the waveguide 10 and a second end 52 adjacent to a second end 54 of an edge portion E₁, E₂, E₃, . . . E_(n), proximal to the axis 26. Likewise, the second surface 28 is further comprised of a plurality of tapered portions T_(1(a)), T_(2(a)), T_(3(a)) . . . T_(n(a)) that are opposite the, respective, tapered portions of the first surface 14. In a particular version of this embodiment, the tapered portion T_(n) of the first surface 14 farthest from the input surface 20 forms an end or edge 22 with the tapered portion T_(n(a)) of the second surface 28 farthest from the input surface 20.

In still another embodiment of an optical waveguide 10, as shown in FIG. 6, a first surface 14 tapers from an input surface 20 toward a center axis 26 of the waveguide 10, a second surface 28 displaced from and opposite the first surface 14 that tapers toward the center axis 26. In a particular version of this embodiment, the second surface 28 forms an end surface or edge 22 with the first surface 14 distal from the input surface 20.

In another embodiment, an edge portion E₁ extends from an end 56 of the first surface 14 distal to the input surface 20, and away from the axis 26 of the waveguide 10, as shown in FIG. 7. A second tapered portion T₂ of the first surface 14 extends from an end 50 of the first edge portion E₁ distal to the axis 26 and angles toward the axis 26 of the waveguide 10. An edge portion E_(1(a)) extends from an end 58 of the first tapered portion of the second surface 28 distal to the input surface 20, and away from the axis 26 of the waveguide 10, while a second tapered portion T_(2(a)) of the second surface 28 extends from an end 52 of the edge portion E_(1(a)) distal to the axis 26 and angles toward the axis 26 of the waveguide 10. In a particular version of this embodiment, the second tapered portion T_(2(a)) of the second surface 28 form an end surface or edge 22 with the second tapered portion T₂ of the first surface 14 distal to the input surface 20.

Also disclosed is a lighting device comprised of an optical waveguide body 10 having a first end 20 and first and second side surfaces 14, 28. The first side surface 14 is comprised of at least one tapered surface T₁ extending toward the second side surface 28, and at least one tapered surface T_(1(a)) extending toward the first side surface 14. In an embodiment, the first side surface 14 comprises a plurality of tapered portions T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n) extending toward the second side surface 28. In a particular version of this embodiment, the second side surface 28 comprises a plurality of tapered portions T_(1(a)), T_(2(a)), T_(3(a)) . . . T_(n(a)) extending toward the first side surface 14. In still another particular version of this embodiment, a tapered portion T_(n) of the first side surface 14 and a tapered portion T_(n(a)) of the second side surface 28 meet at the end 22 of the waveguide body 10.

In another embodiment of the lighting device, an intermediate surface E₁, E₂, E₃, . . . E_(n) is positioned between each of the plurality of tapered surfaces T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n) of the waveguide body 10. In one version of this embodiment, the intermediate surface E₁ is substantially normal to a central axis 26 of the waveguide 10. The intermediate surface E₁ may also be a curved surface or a straight surface. In another embodiment, the intermediate surface E₁ may be a straight surface tapered in the opposite direction of the each of the plurality of tapered surfaces T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n). In still another version, the tapered surface T₁ forms an acute angle with the first surface 14. In yet another embodiment, the tapered surface T₁ of the first surface 14 forms an edge 22 with the second surface 28.

In still another embodiment of the lighting device, the waveguide body 10 includes a plurality of tapered surfaces T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n) that form an acute angle with the first surface 14. In yet another embodiment, the first surface 14 is comprised of a plurality of straight surfaces 14. Each one of the plurality of straight surfaces 14 is separated by a tapered surface T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n), and each one of the tapered surfaces T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(n) form an acute angle with respect to each of their, respective, straight surfaces 14.

FIG. 8, shows still another embodiment of the lighting device having a waveguide 10 where the first and second surfaces 14, 28 are each further comprised of a plurality of tapered surfaces T₁, T_(1(a)), T₂, T_(2(a)) . . . T_(n) T_(n(a)), each tapered surface having a first end 58 extending from an end of a proceeding tapered surface, wherein the odd numbered surfaces in a sequence extend toward the center axis 26 and the even numbered surfaces in the sequence extend away from the center axis 26, and the tapered portion of the first surface 14 farthest from the input surface 18 forms an end surface or edge 22 with the tapered portion of the second surface 28 farthest from the input surface 20.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the first surface 14 has a first portion 32 proximal to the input surface 20. The first portion 32 extends away from the input surface 20 parallel to the axis 26 of the waveguide 10. A first tapered portion T₁ of the first surface 14 extends from an end 38 of the first portion 32 of the first surface 14 distal to the input surface 20, toward the axis 26 of the waveguide 10. A first edge portion E₁ extends from an end 40 of the first tapered portion T₁ distal to the input surface 20, and away from the axis 26 of the waveguide 10. A second tapered portion T₂ of the first surface 14 extends from an end 42 of the first edge portion E₁ distal to the axis 26 and angles toward the axis 26 of the waveguide 10. A second surface 28 is displaced from the first surface 14 and parallel to the center axis 26. In a particular version of this embodiment, the second tapered portion T₂ of the first surface 14 forms an ends surface or edge 22 with the second surface 28.

In still another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the first surface 14 is further comprised of a plurality of tapered surfaces T₁, T₂, . . . T_(n), each tapered surface having a first end 48 coincident with an end 50 of a first edge portion E₁ distal to the axis 26 and a second end 52 coincident with a second end 54 of an edge portion E₂ proximal to the axis 26 where the tapered portion T_(n) of the first surface 14 farthest from the input surface 20 forms an end surface or edge 22 with the second surface 28.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, a light transmissive waveguide body 10 includes a first part 13 having an input section 15, an output section 17 and a tapered portion T₁ between the input section 15 and the output section 17. A second part 19 of the waveguide body 10 will have an input section 21, an output section 23, and a tapered portion T₂ between the input section 21 and output section 23, wherein the input section 21 of the second part 19 is coincident with the output section 17 of the first part 13, and a light source 18 is proximal to the input section 15 of the first part 13.

In each embodiment, a light source 18 is located external to and adjacent the input surface 20. In a particular embodiment, the light source is a light emitting diode (LED). As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the waveguide body 10 may be an elongated structure with a longitudinal axis 56 perpendicular to the axis 26 of the waveguide 10.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the waveguide 10 is typically positioned such that the coupling chamber 16 and the input surface 18 are above the surface 62 or area 64 to be lighted and the surfaces 14, 28 of the waveguide 10 extend downward from the input surface 18 toward a surface 62 to be lighted. When in operation, the light source 18 is powered in any conventional manner known in the art. Light from the light source 18 is then emitted through the tapered surfaces T₁ . . . T_(n). As shown in FIG. 15, light is emitted from a light source 18 at the input surface 20 and reflected internally along the tapered portions of the first and second surfaces 14, 28 as the light travels through the waveguide body 10. If the angle of incidence of a light ray at the surface of a tapered portion T₁ . . . T_(n) exceeds the critical angle, the light ray will pass through the surface and out of the waveguide 10. Light rays 27 that do not exceed the critical angle will reflect off the surface of the tapered portions T₁ . . . T_(n) and toward a tapered portion T_(1(a)) . . . T_(n(a)) opposite and downstream of the surface off of which the ray 27 reflected. Any remaining light may exit the waveguide 10 at the edge of the waveguide 22 opposite the input surface 20.

In an embodiment, the edge portions E₁, E₂, E₃, etc. of the waveguide may be coated with a reflective material, such as a white or silvered material to reflect any remaining light back into the waveguide body 10, if desired.

The angle of the tapered portions of the first and second surfaces 14, 28 of the waveguide body 10 allows light to escape, while the substantially normal edge portions of the waveguide body 10 prevents the escape of light through total internal reflection. Specifically, total internal reflection refers to the internal reflection of light within the waveguide body that occurs when the angle of incidence of the light ray at the surface is less than a threshold referred to as the critical angle. The critical angle depends on the indices of refraction (N) of the material of which the waveguide body is composed and of the material adjacent to the waveguide body. For example, if the waveguide body is an acrylic material having an index of refraction of approximately 1.5 and is surrounded by air, the critical angle, θ_(c), is as follows:

θ_(c)=arcsin(N _(acrylic) /N _(air))=arcsin(1.5/1)=41.8^(°)

Although waveguides can have rough or textured surfaces, in a preferred embodiment, all surfaces of the waveguides must be polished smooth.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment wherein extraction features or tapered portions T₁, T₂, T₃, . . . T_(n) include surfaces 60 that form an acute angle with respect to the first surface 14. In this embodiment, the light rays traveling from left to right as seen in FIG. 16 are extracted out of the surface including the surfaces 14, 60 as seen in FIG. 16.

Yet another modification of the embodiment of FIG. 16 is seen in FIGS. 17-19 wherein the first surface 14 of tapered waveguide body 10 includes tapered portions T₁, T₂, T₃, . . . T_(n). The surfaces 14 of tapered portions T₁, T₂, T₃, . . . T_(n) are separated from one another by intermediate step surfaces S₁, S₂, S₃, . . . S_(n). The waveguide body 10 tapers from a first thickness at the input surface 20 to a second, lesser thickness at the end surface 22. Light is directed out of the second surface 28.

Extraction features such as tapered surfaces may also be used to internally reflect and prevent the uncontrolled escape of light. For example, as seen in FIG. 15, a portion of light that contacts a surface 81 of a typical extraction feature 76 escapes uncontrolled.

Also disclosed is a lighting system comprised of a first optical waveguide body 10 that intersects with a second optical waveguide body 11 at substantially a mid-point 13 of a longitudinal axis 25 of the second optical waveguide body 11. In the system, the first optical waveguide body 10 has a first surface 14 that extends between an input surface 18 and an end surface 22. The first surface 18 has at least two tapered portions T₁ and T₂ that extend inward from an outer portion of the first surface 14, and an intermediate surface 39 located between each of the at least two tapered portions T₁ and T₂. The second optical waveguide body 11 also has a first surface 14 that extends between an input surface 18 and an end surface 22. The first surface 14 of the second optical waveguide body 11 also includes at least two tapered portions T₁ and T₂ that extend inward from an outer portion of the first surface 14, and an intermediate surface 39 between each of the at least two tapered portions T₁ and T₂.

When in operation, as shown in FIG. 13 light sources 18 which are located external and adjacent to the input surface 20 of each of the first and second optical waveguide bodies 10, 11, respectively, are powered using any conventional manner known in the art. Light from the light sources 18 is then emitted through the tapered surfaces T₁ . . . T_(n) so as to light a given surface or area 62.

Other embodiments of the disclosure including all of the possible different and various combinations of the individual features of each of the foregoing embodiments and examples are specifically included herein.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The waveguide components described herein may be used singly or in combination. Specifically, a flat, curved, or otherwise-shaped waveguide body with or without discrete extraction features could be combined with any of the coupling optics and light sources described herein. In any case, one may obtain a desired light output distribution.

Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purposes of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the present disclosure and to teach the best mode of carrying out the same.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical waveguide body, comprising: a first surface that extends between an input surface and an end surface, said first surface having at least two tapered portions that extend inward from an outer portion of the first surface; and an intermediate surface between each of the at least two tapered portions.
 2. The optical waveguide body of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two tapered portions are distal from the input surface.
 3. The optical waveguide body of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two tapered portions extend toward a central axis of the waveguide.
 4. The optical waveguide body of claim 1, further comprising a second surface opposite of and distal from the first surface.
 5. The optical waveguide body of claim 1, wherein the intermediate surface is substantially normal to the central axis of the waveguide.
 6. The optical waveguide body of claim 1, wherein the intermediate surface is a curved surface.
 7. The optical waveguide body of claim 1, wherein the intermediate surface is a straight surface.
 8. The optical waveguide body of claim 1, wherein the intermediate surface is a straight surface tapered in the opposite direction of the each of the at least two tapered portions.
 9. The optical waveguide body of claim 4, wherein the second surface terminates in an end surface with the first surface.
 10. The optical waveguide body of claim 9, wherein the end surface is an edge.
 11. The optical waveguide body of claim 9, wherein the end surface is a curved surface.
 12. The optical waveguide body of claim 9, wherein the end surface is a smooth surface.
 13. The optical waveguide body of claim 1, wherein a light source is located adjacent to the input surface.
 14. The optical waveguide body of claim 13, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode (LED).
 15. The optical waveguide body of claim 13, wherein light from the light source is emitted through each of the at least two tapered portions.
 16. A lighting device comprising: an optical waveguide body comprising an input at a first end of the waveguide body and first and second side surfaces; at least one LED which produces light when energized and the light is coupled into the input; said first side surface comprising at least one tapered surface extending toward the second side surface; and an end of the optical waveguide body away from the input is directed toward a surface to be illuminated.
 17. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein the at least one LED is mounted pointing into the input of the waveguide body.
 18. The lighting device of claim 17, wherein the second surface comprises at least one tapered surface extending toward the first side surface.
 19. The lighting device of claim 18, wherein the first side surface comprises a plurality of tapered portions extending toward the second side surface.
 20. The lighting device of claim 19, wherein the second side surface comprises a plurality of tapered portions extending toward the first side surface.
 21. The lighting device of claim 20, wherein a tapered portion of the first side surface and a tapered portion of the second side surface meet at the end of the waveguide body.
 22. The lighting device of claim 16 comprising: at least a second optical waveguide body intersecting with said first waveguide body, said second waveguide body comprising an input at a first end of the second waveguide body and first and second side surfaces; said first side surface comprising at least one tapered surface extending toward the second side surface; and an end of the second optical waveguide body away from the input is directed toward the surface to be illuminated.
 23. The lighting device of claim 19, wherein an intermediate surface is positioned between each of the plurality of tapered surfaces.
 24. The lighting device of claim 23, wherein the intermediate surface is substantially normal to a central axis of the waveguide.
 25. The lighting device of claim 23, wherein the intermediate surface is a curved surface.
 26. The lighting device of claim 23, wherein the intermediate surface is a straight surface.
 27. The lighting device of claim 23, wherein the intermediate surface is a straight surface tapered in the opposite direction of the each of the plurality of tapered surfaces.
 28. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein the tapered surface forms an acute angle with the first surface.
 29. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein the tapered surface of the first surface forms an edge with the second surface.
 30. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein a plurality of tapered surfaces form an acute angle with the first surface.
 31. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein: the first surface is comprised of a plurality of straight surfaces; each one of the plurality of straight surfaces is separated by a tapered surface; and each one of the tapered surfaces form an acute angle with respect to each of the, respective, straight surfaces.
 32. An optical waveguide body for use with a lighting device, the waveguide body comprised of: a first surface having a first portion proximal to the input surface, said first portion extending away from the input surface parallel to the central axis of the waveguide; a first tapered portion of the first surface extends from an end of the first portion of the first surface distal to the input surface toward the central axis of the waveguide; a first edge portion extends from an end of the first tapered portion distal to the input surface, and away from the central axis of the waveguide; a second tapered portion of the first surface extends from an end of the first edge portion distal to the axis and angles toward the central axis of the waveguide; and a second surface displaced from the first surface and parallel to the central axis.
 33. The optical waveguide of claim 33, wherein the second tapered portion of the first surface forms an edge with the second surface.
 34. The optical waveguide of claim 33, each of the first and second tapered portions form an acute angle with respect to the first surface.
 35. The optical waveguide of claim 33, wherein: the first surface is further comprised of a plurality of tapered portions, each tapered portion having a first end extending from an end of a first edge portion distal to the axis and a second end coincident with a second end of an edge portion proximal to the central axis; and the tapered portion of the first surface farthest from the input surface forms an edge with the second surface.
 36. A lighting device comprising: an optical waveguide body comprising an input at a first end of the waveguide body and first and second surfaces; said first side surface comprising at least one tapered surface extending toward the second side surface; and an end of the optical waveguide body away from the input is directed toward a surface to be illuminated.
 37. The lighting device of claim 36 comprising at least one LED which produces light when energized and the light is coupled to the input.
 38. The lighting device of claim 37, wherein the at least one LED is mounted pointing into the input of the waveguide body.
 39. The lighting device of claim 38, wherein the second surface comprises at least one tapered surface extending toward the first side surface.
 40. The lighting device of claim 39, wherein the first side surface comprises a plurality of tapered portions extending toward the second side surface.
 41. The lighting device of claim 40, wherein the second side surface comprises a plurality of tapered portions extending toward the first side surface.
 42. The lighting device of claim 41, wherein a tapered portion of the first side surface and a tapered portion of the second side surface meet at the end of the waveguide body.
 43. The lighting device of claim 36 comprising: at least a second optical waveguide body intersecting with said first waveguide body, said second waveguide body comprising an input at a first end of the second waveguide body and first and second side surfaces; said first side surface comprising at least one tapered surface extending toward the second side surface; and an end of the second optical waveguide body away from the input is directed toward the surface to be illuminated.
 44. The lighting device of claim 40, wherein an intermediate surface is positioned between each of the plurality of tapered surfaces.
 45. The lighting device of claim 44, wherein the intermediate surface is substantially normal to a central axis of the waveguide.
 46. The lighting device of claim 44, wherein the intermediate surface is a curved surface.
 47. The lighting device of claim 44, wherein the intermediate surface is a straight surface.
 48. The lighting device of claim 44, wherein the intermediate surface is a straight surface tapered in the opposite direction of the each of the plurality of tapered surfaces.
 49. The lighting device of claim 36, wherein the tapered surface forms an acute angle with the first surface.
 50. The lighting device of claim 36, wherein the tapered surface of the first surface forms an edge with the second surface.
 51. The lighting device of claim 36, wherein a plurality of tapered surfaces form an acute angle with the first surface.
 52. The lighting device of claim 36, wherein: the first surface is comprised of a plurality of straight surfaces; each one of the plurality of straight surfaces is separated by a tapered surface; and each one of the tapered surfaces form an acute angle with respect to each of the, respective, straight surfaces.
 53. A lighting device comprising: an optical waveguide body comprising a first end and first and second side surfaces; said first side surface comprising at least one tapered surface extending toward the second side surface; and at least one tapered surface extending toward the first side surface.
 54. The lighting device of claim 53 comprising at least one LED which produces light when energized and the light is coupled to the input.
 55. The lighting device of claim 54, wherein the first side surface comprises a plurality of tapered portions extending toward the second side surface.
 56. The lighting device of claim 55, wherein the second side surface comprises a plurality of tapered portions extending toward the first side surface.
 57. The lighting device of claim 55, wherein a tapered portion of the first side surface and a tapered portion of the second side surface meet at the end of the waveguide body.
 58. The lighting device of claim 55, wherein an intermediate surface is positioned between each of the plurality of tapered surfaces.
 59. The lighting device of claim 58, wherein the intermediate surface is substantially normal to a central axis of the waveguide.
 60. The lighting device of claim 58, wherein the intermediate surface is a curved surface.
 61. The lighting device of claim 58, wherein the intermediate surface is a straight surface.
 62. The lighting device of claim 58, wherein the intermediate surface is a straight surface tapered in the opposite direction of the each of the plurality of tapered surfaces.
 63. The lighting device of claim 53, wherein the tapered surface forms an acute angle with the first surface.
 64. The lighting device of claim 53, wherein the tapered surface of the first surface forms an edge with the second surface.
 65. The lighting device of claim 53, wherein a plurality of tapered surfaces form an acute angle with the first surface.
 66. The lighting device of claim 53, wherein: the first surface is comprised of a plurality of straight surfaces; each one of the plurality of straight surfaces is separated by a tapered surface; and each one of the tapered surfaces form an acute angle with respect to each of the, respective, straight surfaces. 